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PLAYERS TO WATCH IN PRESEASON GAME 3

Now
that we have survived the Great Solar Eclipse of 2017, it is time to focus on
the upcoming third preseason game for the New England Patriots against the
Detroit Lions. The third game is
commonly viewed as the most important of the preseason games. Starters usually go deep into the third
quarter to build stamina before throttling it back in game four to rest for the
season opener. For bubble players, this
game is a last chance to make a strong impression against quality competition. Here are a few players to watch for the Pats.

Cyrus
Jones:

Last year’s top draft pick, taken in
the second round out of Alabama, had a dismal rookie season. Touted for his value as a return man in the
kicking game, he struggled fielding punts and lost the punt returner job before
the bye week. He ended the season as a
healthy scratch for the Super Bowl run. This
season, Jones got off to another rough start, getting burned on two deep passes
in the first preseason game against the Jaguars. But he bounced back with a solid performance Saturday
in Houston as a punt and kick-off returner.
Jones can afford no more miscues in the
remaining two games if he hopes to make the 2017 roster.

Kony Ealy:

Ealy was acquired from the Carolina
Panthers for a second round pick in the 2016 draft to bolster the Patriots
depth along the defensive line. Ealy has
reportedly been unspectacular in Training Camp and had an undisclosed issue
with Bill Belichick which briefly kept him on the sideline. But like Jones, Ealy played a strong game
against the Texans. Consistent
performance from Ealy is needed with the Patriots thin on the defensive line
due to injuries and the retirement of Rob Ninkovich.

Jacoby
Brissett:

Jimmy Garoppolo received significant
playing time at quarterback against Houston after Brady started and played the
first two offensive series. Brissett
came in for mop-up duty late in the game and was only five for ten passing and a
lost fumble on a sack. With Brady
expected to get the bulk of the snaps in game three, it will be interesting to
see if Garappolo or Brissett will get the remainder of the playing time under
center. Brissett’s last chance to keep
his roster spot may hinge on his performance in the final preseason game
against the Giants’ second and third string.

Stephen
Gostkowski:

Though not a bubble player or a
player in danger of losing his roster spot, it’s been no secret that Gostkowski
has had issues with extra points and field goals since the 2016 AFC
Championship Game in Denver. Gostkowski was
flawless on all kicks attempted against the Texans, drilling three field goals
from 28, 51 and 42 yards and notching two extra points in the indoor confines
of NRG Stadium. He will look to continue
that momentum on Friday against the Lions.

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